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Sinfield hopes Slater plays WCC

Laine Clark

Debate may have raged over Kevin Sinfield's controversial Golden Boot win but it seems the Leeds captain wants it settled once and for all in next month's World Club Challenge clash with NRL champions Melbourne.

Sinfield has taken no comfort from Billy Slater's withdrawal from next month's NRL season-opening All Stars clash in Brisbane, saying he wants to face a full-strength Storm on February 22 to test himself against the best ahead of the 2013 World Cup.

Melbourne boast two players who Sinfield outpointed to take out the unofficial award for the world's best rugby league player - skipper Cameron Smith and halfback Cooper Cronk.

But Sinfield clearly still sees former Golden Boot winner Slater as a yardstick, all but sending the fullback a `get well soon' card ahead of the WCC at Leeds' Headingley Stadium.

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"He is a fantastic player and it'd be great to play against him again," said Sinfield who helped Leeds down Melbourne in 2008, only for the Storm to turn the tables in 2010.

"We want to play against the best in the world and he's certainly one of those.

"I hope he is fit and I hope he's here and that they are at full strength."

Sinfield copped criticism in Australia for lifting the Golden Boot award after a season which seemed to pale in comparison to the likes of Smith.

The 10-year Leeds skipper led the Rhinos to a 26-12 triumph over Manly at last year's WCC and overcame a head knock to inspire their sixth Super League title in nine years while also collecting the man of the match award.

He also took Leeds to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley which they lost to Warrington.

However, the England captain's international efforts last year only featured Tests against France and Wales.

In contrast, Smith completed the trifecta of leading his club, (Melbourne), state (Queensland) and country (against New Zealand) to trophies.

Sinfield reacted by claiming Australian players "rate themselves very highly".

But Sinfield has been less combative in the WCC countdown, saying the clash will not be personal.

"I'm not bothered (by criticism from Australia). I want us to play well and want us to win, that is my motivation," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

However, Sinfield admitted he could not stop thinking about having a crack at Melbourne despite Leeds facing three Super League games before the WCC.

"It has been in the back of my mind for a while," he said.

"I think it's really important we focus on the next game, which is Hull, but I would be lying if I said we weren't thinking about Melbourne.

"If I have got thoughts of possibly representing England in the World Cup at the end of the year my form has got to be good."